The Road to Burgundy
The Unlikely Story of an American Making Wine and a New Life in France
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4.3 • 60 Ratings
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- $4.99
Publisher Description
An intoxicating memoir of an American who discovers a passion for French wine and gambles everything to chase a dream of owning a vineyard in Burgundy
Ray Walker had a secure career in finance until a wine-tasting vacation ignited a passion he couldn’t stifle. He quit his job and moved to France to start a winery—with little money, limited command of the French language, and no winemaking experience. He immersed himself in the extraordinary history of Burgundy’s vineyards and began honing his skills. Ray shares his journey to secure the region’s most coveted grapes. The Road to Burgundy is a glorious celebration of finding one’s true path in life and taking a chance—whatever the odds.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Drinking wine and talking about it is pretty much a given when you live in California's Bay Area, near multitudes of vineyards. Nevertheless, Walker inherited a disdain for wine from his parents who proclaimed it a drink for snobs. But during a trip to Italy with his fianc e, Walker tasted a new world. "I took a bite of my spaghetti, working the tender noodles and rich tomato, herb and olive oil around in my mouth, and then swished with a sip of wine. It was alchemy." His curiosity about wines blossomed, then grew into a full-blown obsession, until he found himself living out his dream in the vineyards of Burgundy and making a wine of his own. In this rich account, Walker chronicles his five-year journey from Northern California to the French countryside with self-deprecating humor and earnestness. Whether he's learning French from cable television, convincing his wife of the validity of his plan, deconstructing the terroir of Burgundy, or negotiating a price for some of the "most precious grapes in the world," Walker fearlessly plunges in. Wine geeks will enjoy Walker's blow-by-blow account of the winemaking process. Those less inclined to appreciate wine's back story can revel in his descriptions of Burgundy's food and lifestyle. Walker's tale evokes the exquisite thrill of finding and following your passion, no matter how crazy it might seem.
Customer Reviews
Best read this year!
Since I am a wine lover my review may be a bit skewed, but this was the best book I have read in five, no ten years! If you are a novice or experienced wine aficionado this tale will force you to fall in love with your first sip again. Ray makes his story feel like he is speaking directly with you while in his cave sampling some of his 2009 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru. Ray's descriptive writing creates a picture for each page as vivid as Monet's paintings. The guys a genius, an absolute genius and that is all anybody needs to know. Thank you ray for telling the world your story, this is definitely a book I will be re-reading for decades to come, cheers.
A story of passion, hard work, dreams, commitment, support & LOVE
This "memoir", this "autobiography" is without a doubt highly inspiring and truly conveys the meaning of following ones dream. Not to be unrealistic but to face challenges and pursue your dream with optimism. Ray's book takes the reader along for the journey... From not even liking wine to an obsession. From the promise of a high-pay career in the world of finances to summoning the courage to walk away from it all to chase his true passion (something many wouldn't do). From a suit & tie behind a desk in a SF building to a t-shirt in a local winery cleaning oak barrels. This book clearly outlines the commitment and dedication to learn something completely new... From learning the language, to developing an appreciation of a place and culture you have not experienced first hand but found a home in your heart. An ideal example of facing and beating the odds of what many label as "unthinkable or unlikely" to be accepted into a centuries-old, almost secret society "The Grand Cru Club" as I call it. Most remarkably for me however, it exemplifies what support but above all, LOVE can do. For every step Ray took as he immersed himself deeper and deeper into his newly found obsession of becoming a "vinificateur" IN Burgundy.... He was and continues to be blessed with the profound SUPPORT & LOVE of his beautiful wife.
This book is a must-read for all wine lovers out there.
Best of luck and continued success to Ray, his beautiful family and Maison-Ilan.